The Rock Report: Fun. is Number One

The Rock Report keeps rock music fans posted on the latest. Check it out every Friday.

In this week’s Rock Report, Fun. becomes the first rock group in four years to top the Billboard Hot 100!, Cage The Elephant unleashes a new video for “Always Something,” Beach House drops a “Myth” and another rock legend passes away. Also, an exclusive with The Monster Goes Rawrr in this edition of the Rock Report.

Fun. are Number One

The indie pop-rock collective have topped the Billboard Hot 100 with their inspiring smash “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae and it’s the first rock song to sit on the chart’s top spot since Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” back in 2008. Congratulations to the group and here’s to having fun!

New Video from Cage the Elephant

Cage The Elephant have released the unofficial music video for “Always Something,” which features a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, concert performances and life on the road.

The group are currently performing in South America, but will return to the States for a series of shows and festivals. As of now, their North American schedule lifts off April 13th at Amos’ Southend in Charlotte, North Carolina and runs through June 24th where they’ll perform at the Governors Ball in Randall’s Island, New York. Cage The Elephant will also make stops at Edgefest, Hangout Music Fest and Metallica’s Orion Music + More.

The Monster Goes Rawrr are Lethal

Just a few months ago, the Australian-based quintet unveiled the video for their new single “#ihaveablackbeltinawesome” and it’s quite awesome. In this RedBullUSA.com exclusive, front man Max Wiens tells us all about it.

“Ross [Burbury, the group’s bassist] took the lead on this one and actually directed the ‘#ihaveablackbeltinawesome’ video,” Wiens explains. “I think he originally had the ‘Cinderella’-like idea of meeting a girl at a party, her leaving, and us trying to find her at a bunch of ridiculous parties. Turns out the song is pretty short, so we just did a whole bunch of partying with our friends.”

In addition to the new video, The Monster Goes Rawrr plans to release a brand new EP sometime in May. Described as “pretty bitchin’,” the six-track collection will continue to feature their dance-flavored rock hybrid. One song is said to have a ‘Mayday Parade’ feel, another will be a piano ballad and the other four will have a party vibe.

The Aussies are also expected to drop a second EP in 2012. “We actually have a lot of songs written, so our plan is to release this EP and then release another one later this year. I guess we just don’t want people to have to wait a year or two between releases,” Wiens reveals. “Also, if the first EP sells enough, we’ll get Timbaland to co-produce the next one.”

The Return of Beach House

Earlier this week, Beach House all but confirmed their inevitable return. The Baltimore indie rock duo premiered “Myth,” a new song from their forthcoming Sub Pop full-length “Bloom.” The 10-track collection is slated to drop on May 15th. For now, let your ears feast on “Myth.”

Rock in Peace Ronnie Montrose

Sadly, another great musician has left the world. Ronnie Montrose -- a well-known rock guitarist who performed alongside such notables as Sammy Hagar, Herbie Hancock and Van Morrison -- passed away last Saturday after a long, documented bout with prostate cancer. He was 64.

Though highly regarded as an excellent session player, he was also known for his ‘70s band Montrose, which featured Sammy Hagar as the group’s original lead singer. RedBullUSA.com sends our condolences to the friends and family of Ronnie Montrose.